Week 13, Fall 2023: Controlling Test Anxiety during Exams
ACE Study Tip of the Week
1. Try to avoid talking with other students right before the exam because their anxieties may affect you.
2. Choose a seat in a place with few distractions (probably near the front).
3. Remind yourself of how hard you have studied, and how well you did on previous exams.
4. Skip tough questions & return to them later (especially in problem solving).
5. Expect a few "curve balls" on the exam. Remind yourself that you're not expecting to get 100% on the exam, you're expecting an A.
6. When negative thoughts arise, say STOP & remind yourself of past successes.
7. Never try to figure out your grade as you go.
8. Do not obsess about running out of time. Check the time periodically (after you've finished a third of the test) but avoid checking too frequently.
9. Approach your studying seriously, but think of the test as a game. Your goal is to collect as many points as you can in the time available.
Good luck,
Audrey Zenner
Academic Center for Excellence (ACE)
zeesa@uic.edu
312.413.0031